Photo Gallery

Maldives in the '70s: a story of culture and heritage in pictures

A collection of pictures shot by Frank Burnaby during his time in the Maldives from 1976 to 1977. Frank journeyed to Maldives with his wife Gayle, and they gave birth to a baby boy by the name Dhon Kokko, loosely translated to 'fair little child', in the island of Kudafolhudhoo, Alif Alif Atoll. The pictures depict the family's incorporation into the Maldivian culture in the '70s.

Islanders pictured with Gayle. Frank stated that the islanders were very welcoming and helpful, bringing them food and helping them build a house. PHOTO: FRANK BURNABY

Gayle and Dhonkokko pictures with islanders on the beach. PHOTO: FRANK BURNABY

Abdullah, who was a friend of the family, swinging Dhon Kokko on a joali undhoali (traditional swing). PHOTO: FRANK BURNABY

Islanders pictured with Gayle. Frank stated that the islanders were very welcoming and helpful, bringing them food and helping them build a house. PHOTO: FRANK BURNABY

Sail dhoni (traditional boats) in the distance. PHOTO: FRANK BURNABY

Locals setting out for a trip on a sail dhoni (traditional boat). PHOTO: FRANK BURNABY

A bunch of Maldivian children on a sail dhoni (traditional boat). PHOTO: FRANK BURNABY

Frank playing chess with an elderly man of the island while children plays around him. PHOTO: FRANK BURNABY

A sail dhoni (traditional boat) full of passengers being pulled to shore. PHOTO: FRANK BURNABY